An Allison V-12 V1710-35 engine has been spotted for sale. Details are limited, although the listing states that there is zero time on rebuild.

The engine is located in Wichita, Kansas and is currently available for US $49,500, although offers are also being accepted. Click here to check out the eBay listing, which includes additional photos.

Coming soon from Osprey and author Thomas McKelvey Cleaver is the new book Bloody Skies: XV Fighter Command Against all Odds, which details the operations of the USAAF’s overlooked XV Fighter Command that protected bombers during the campaign against the Romanian oil fields in World War II.

Formed in the fall of 1943, the Fifteenth Air Force was popularly known as the “The Forgotten Fifteenth,” as its achievements were overshadowed by more glamorous exploits of the Eighth Air Force in the air war over Germany. Nevertheless, the Fifteenth’s contribution to Allied victory was crucial, and a vital part of that was the role played by the escorting fighter groups from the XV Fighter Command who protected the B-17s and B-24s from the Luftwaffe in the skies over Romania.

In this new history of the campaign, renowned aviation historian Tom Cleaver tells the story of the Fifteenth’s air war through first-person accounts of the fighter pilots of the Fifteenth Fighter Command, including such famous units as the Red Tails – the Tuskegee Airmen – the 82nd Fighter Group and the 325th’s “Checkertail Clan,” and with his ability to place wartime events in their greater context.

The 320 page book is currently available for pre-order in hardcover and Kindle editions. Release is scheduled for March 10.

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A 1967 Cessna 310L has been spotted for sale. The listing states (in part):

This low-time, meticulously maintained 1967 Cessna 310L has been hangared most of its life and is ready for serious cross-country IFR flying or weekend trips in style. Powered by twin Continental IO-470-V9 260 HP engines (LH 432 SMOH in 2019, RH 2.1 STOH in 2025) with Hartzell 3-blade props, it offers strong performance and reliability. The aircraft features a total time of 5,582 hours, a useful load of 1,708 lbs., and complete logs from day one. Its bright DuPont Imron repaint and pristine original interior show the care this airplane has received. Avionics are well equipped with a Garmin GPS-400W WAAS IFR GPS, JPI EDM-760 engine monitor, Bendix King KI-525A HSI, Trig TT31 ADS-B Out, KX-165 NAV/COM, KY-196A COMM, PS-Engineering PM1000 II intercom, and more. Additional upgrades include Micro Aerodynamics vortex generators, Cleveland wheels and brakes, and upgraded stainless camlocks. With a range of 1,000 NM, a max takeoff weight of 5,200 lbs., and seating for six, this classic twin combines capability, comfort, and proven care.

The aircraft is located in Washington, MO and offers are currently being accepted. Click here to check out the eBay listing, which includes additional photos and details.

Airfix has launched a new Bristol Bulldog Mk.IIA model kit in 1/48 scale. This is the first variation of their new tool Bristol Bulldog Mk.II model kit that was released last year (A05141 / Amazon Product Link).

The new kit (A05145) includes a number of extra parts, including wide-track undercarriage with metal wheels and tailwheel, later type tail fin and rudder, optional exhausts with cabin heater and spent cartridge collection bins, new cylinder heads to represent the type fitted to the Bristol Jupiter VIIF engine of the Bulldog Mk.IIa, new parts for external oil cooler, subtly rendered fabric skin effect, multi part cockpit includes fuselage framework, ammo bins and machine gun breeches, designed based on exclusive access to 1000+ original Bristol drawings, details include camera gun, wing mounted generators, bomb rack and landing flare. The kit also boasts three marking options.

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Another of the extremely rare, discontinued balsa model kits covered in a build log on our YouTube channel DX Modelworks has hit the market, this time an elegant 1928 Velie Monocoupe 113.

The model is based on plans designed by David Deadman and was released by Aero Graphics. It boasts a 24.5″ wingspan and includes build plans, stripwood and printed balsa panels, covering tissue, lightweight molded plastic wheels and spinner, rubber motor and plastic propeller. The associated listing states that box contents are “all present.”

Click here to check out the eBay listing for the model and click here to check out the DX Modelworks build log for the kit.

In his new book Volunteer Aces of Churchill’s Few: The Part-Time Pilots and their Auxiliary Squadrons which Helped win the Battle of Britain author Martin Wade tells the story of those pilots, both Auxiliary and Volunteer Reserve, who flew with the squadrons of the AAF – a most remarkable band within “The Few.”

It has been many decades since the Battle of Britain raged over southern England, where part‑time pilots who had joined before the war played a vital role in victory. Formed in October 1924, the Auxiliary Air Force (AAF) contributed fourteen of the sixty‑two RAF fighter squadrons in the battle, and together with RAF Volunteer Reserve pilots, produced some of the highest‑scoring aces of the summer of 1940.

The book conveys the sense of adventure shown by these “weekend flyers,” exemplified by the 1933 first flight over Mount Everest by the CO of No. 602 (City of Glasgow) Squadron and by Flight Lieutenant Findlay Boy, who joined in 1935 while working as a mining engineer and went on to score the fastest victory of the battle by shooting down a Ju 87 Stuka less than a minute after take‑off. Their efforts led Air Vice Marshal Keith Park to declare that without the Auxiliaries the Luftwaffe would not have been defeated in 1940 and at the height of the battle Air Chief Marshal Sir Hugh Dowding exclaimed, “Thank God for the RAFVR!”

The 248 page hardcover book is currently available for pre-order with release slated for January 30.

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After “excessive delay” related to obtaining the highest possible quality, Kotare has announced that their much anticipated 1/32 Spitfire Mk.Vb (Early) has finally entered production.

The new kit will reportedly feature 141 high-quality injection molded plastic parts, including 38 all new tooled parts such as wings, 20mm cannon barrels, alternate magazine fairings, control column, engine driven undercarriage controls, cockpit sidewalls, starboard engine cowlings, ailerons, and oil cooler fairings. Additional features include windscreen with de-icing, canopy hood with Martin-Baker jettison system, fireproof bulkhead, dual-height rudder pedals, instrument panel with rectangle & curved flying panels, composite pilot’s seat with and without Sutton Type K harness detail, IFF Mk.II, ice/snow guard, port wing fillets with electrical connection door, Supermarine and CBAF undercarriage doors and top engine cowlings, open & closed cockpit doors with optional crow-bar, de Havilland & Rotol propellers and wheels with weighted tyres featuring correct alignment. High quality Cartograf decals will also be provided offering marking options for RAF, Polish, and USAAF aircraft.

The company expects to receive stock and begin shipments in mid January. Click below to check out additional images.

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A 1965 Piper Cherokee 180C has been spotted for sale. The listing states (in part):

This beautifully restored 1965 Piper Cherokee 180C is a turnkey four-seat aircraft that has been rebuilt from the ground up with exceptional attention to detail. With complete logs dating back to 1965, all ADs current, and recent annual inspection, this aircraft reflects true pride of ownership. The airframe has been fully stripped, primed, painted, and upgraded with new seals, windows, bearings, overhauled landing gear components, and restored control surfaces. The engine features a Superior Millennium cylinder kit, overhauled carburetor, new starter, overhauled mags, new harnesses, fuel system updates, new oil cooler and hoses, and a fully restored prop. Equipped with ADS-B out, dual Com radios, dual Navs, autopilot with heading hold, and updated instruments. The interior retains an authentic vintage Piper feel with restored upholstery, excellent headliner, updated cabin ducting, and added USB power. Balanced, smooth, and extremely reliable, this Cherokee 180C is a true standout ready for cross-country flying and everyday enjoyment.

The aircraft is located in Monrovia, CA and offers are currently being accepted. Click here to check out the eBay listing, which includes several additional photos.

The San Diego Air and Space Museum is currently offering an Early WWII Ranger L-440-1 engine for sale, complete with stand. The listing states (in part):

The Ranger L-440 series was widely used in WWII-era primary and advanced trainer aircraft, particularly in Fairchild PT-19, PT-23, and PT-26 trainers. These engines were known for their lightweight construction and reliable air-cooling design, making them well-suited for training aircraft. Includes custom made steel metal stand with wheels. This engine has been on display at the San Diego Air and Space Museum. It is in great visual condition. UNTESTED.

The engine is located in San Diego, California and is currently available for US $4,500. Click here to check out the eBay listing, which includes several additional photos.